I think the 16"/17" frame size lends itself very well to an "idealistic-looking" build: not so small to really look small, but small enough to have a relatively aggressive sloping top tube angle and require a taller/more aggressive rider to run the post long.

At ~5'8"/5'9" I'm either a tall 16"/17" or a short 18" rider. I've found that the typically shorter top tube and decreased standover of the 16"/17" frames really improve my control and overall ride experience. The long-n-low cockpit also plays a large part in keeping a balanced front/rear weight distribution for technical XC riding and in the saddle ascents.

If I recall correctly the naked frame is ~3.5lbs. Typical for a high-end Prestige frame really. Most of my high-end steel bikes have built up at between 21-22lbs. with nice bits, but nothing horribly exotic and/or expensive.

_________________"...if 4130 were discovered tomorrow, it would be hailed as the greatest building material in the history of mankind." - Keith Bontrager

"...And the secret of steel has always carried with it a mystery. You must learn its riddle, Conan, you must learn its discipline. For no one, no one in this world can you trust. Not men, not women, not beasts... This you can trust." - Conan's Father

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